Opus is better than AAC for video ?

[Aug]

Hello. Thanks for reading my topic.
I want convert some videos to H.264 and for some videos the audio will be copied instead converting and for others files the sound will be converted.
AAC is the more used for H.264.
However is the best choice if the user want the sound good quality with less file size ?
Opus has the same quality using less birate if compared with AAC.
Also HE-AAC has much less bitrate than AAC, but has same good quality for video H.264. Not is simple install software for enconding HE-AAC in Linux.
FLAC and other similar codecs has more high file size.
Have an better lossy codec than AAC for H.264 ?

Have an nice week.

[videoAI]

Audio codec choices for H.264 video encoding, focusing on quality, file size, and performance.

## Audio Codec Comparison

| Codec | Quality | Bitrate Efficiency | Compatibility | Best Use Case |
|-------|---------|-------------------|--------------|--------------|
| Opus | Excellent | Best | Good | High-quality audio with minimal file size |
| AAC | Very Good | Good | Excellent | Widely supported, balanced quality |
| HE-AAC | Good | Better than AAC | Limited | Low bitrate scenarios |
| FLAC | Lossless | Worst | Limited | Archival, professional audio |

## Key Insights

### Codec Recommendations
- Opus is the superior choice for high-quality audio with minimal file size
- AAC remains the most universally compatible option
- HE-AAC is challenging to implement in Linux

### FPS Considerations
- Modern codecs like H.264 do detect differences between 30 fps and 60 fps
- Important settings for 60 fps videos:

1. Increased bitrate
2. Adjusted keyframe interval
3. Potential use of variable bitrate (VBR)

[Aug]

Thanks for all replies.
In moment not is possible for me test how compile ffmpeg. I only use ffmpeg4 and the current version in Ubuntu repository not does HE-AAC.
HE-AAC has better quality than AAC and Opus ?
HE-AAC file size save is irrevelant if compared with AAC ?

Thanks very much for replying.
I see information more or less Opus 128 kbps is the same quality as AAC 160 kbps. Is it true ?
If the source file is AAC 256 kbps converting to Opus 168 kbps has much lose or is the same quality ?
Well ... need to be much sensible to hear any differences between AAC 256 kpbs and 384 kbps.

If the AAC is 128 kbps converting to Opus 64 or 96 kbps lose much quality ?

[jagabo]

If you're working with high definition video the size of the audio is pretty immaterial. Stick with AAC or AC3 for compatibility.

[Aug]

Opus is better than HE-AAC ?
How is the compatibility of Opus with current TVs ? Have issues or is compatible with any TV in market ?
I only want convert videos with audio stream if possible using the less size with good quality and see AAC not is exactly the correct choice.

[syberdude]

Generally I feel this has to do with the compromise of file size to bitrate ratio but you can use programs like spek/spek-x/Fakin The Funk to determine if the frequency range is to your liking. Standard AAC in FFMPEG is good enough at 20khz frequency range as i've noticed but I'm not a fan of this codec (there are better). FLAC files are lossless and capture full frequency range of the source file encoded directly from but file size is larger but smaller than WAV files as an example. Personally, I prefer FDK-AAC or QAAC (itunes aac) as opposed to OPUS because they do a better job with AAC format capturing/encoding the higher frequency range from a source file even though they were lossy codecs. These other AAC related codecs are most likely not part of FFMPEG so you may need to use other encoders like Xrecode3 or EZ CD Audio Converter. There's also NCH Switch Plus Audio Converter but I believe these all cost money for the premium options/features but maybe they offer free versions that are good enough. Opus is normally fine but only allows 48khz from what I have tested it to do. Other codecs allow a more varied frequency when source files are encoded. Most will most likely agree that OPUS gives the best compromise over all if you're not a picky audio type individual.

[zing269]

If compatibility with TVs is your main concern then you should go with HE-AAC over Opus.

[KarMa]

OPUS is best in the sub 192k bitrate arena. It's just a question of if the device you wish to play the video/audio on, can actually play OPUS. Honestly though, in 2025 the bitrate saving is tiny in the grand scheme. Nero-AAC or Apple-AAC will certainly make a perfectly fine stereo stream above 128k, in general.

[DKruskie]

I have no problem in encoding HE-AAC in linux. I use Linux Mint, although i do compile ffmpeg myself which is much easier to do in linux than in windows.

[davexnet]

HE-aac is designed for low bitrate, less than 80kbps. typical use case: low bitrate streaming.
Except for that, it doesn't make much sense to use it.

Listening test have shown that > 96 kbps, aac-lc sounds better

[Aug]

Thanks for all replies. I need some informations.
Opus in 96 kbps has the same quality as AAC 128 kbps ? If not what Opus bitrate is similar as AAC 128 and 196 kbps ?
About compatibility ... the TVs in market has support native for Opus or need install an software ? The main cell phones in market has compatibility with Opus ?
Nero-AAC or Apple-AAC not has version for Linux.
I have much videos with MP3 and AAC with much high or wrong bitrate value for enough good and very good quality.
Not need more of 256 kbps if the video not is an movie and so I see Opus is an good choice for saving file size.
FLAC is very good, but useless if the original file is MP3 or AAC. That's format for archiving and profissional work.

[hello_hello]

If you're working with high definition video the size of the audio is pretty immaterial. Stick with AAC or AC3 for compatibility.

I agree. If my math is correct, 2 hours of audio at 96 kbps would result in a file size of roughly 86.4 MB.
At 196kbps the file size would be roughly 176.4 MB.
Sure it's a little over twice the size, but an extra 90 MB over 2 hours is nothing when you compare it to the size of a 2 hour video stream, and almost everything plays AAC-LC.

[The_Doman]

Thanks for all replies. I need some informations.
About compatibility ... the TVs in market has support native for Opus or need install an software ? The main cell phones in market has compatibility with Opus ?

If you want broader/long-term compatibility best use AAC.
Sure not Opus or other not widely supported formats.
Google: AAC or AC3 longterm compatibility